The Greatest Tool Chest Ever Constructed?

Big thanks to TM reader Matt who emailed us about this awesome video from the DIY Network in which Norm Abram shows off what might just be the most intricate, ornate, and artful tool chest… in the world. (/Clarkson). Norm says it was built by a Boston piano maker named “Henry Studley” (completely appropriate surname, btw) and features Honduran mahogany with ebony panels. But the magic is inside.

Norm opens the case in the video to show a massive number of woodworking tools (300 to 400, he says) layered three and four deep via an intricate system of hinged mounting panels. Note the little architecturally-styled accents, like the one around the cubby holding a Stanley #1 plane. Seriously, folks, if you’re a Toolmonger and you’re only going to watch one video today, this is the one.

This tool chest was featured on the back cover of Fine Woodworking a bunch of years ago. FW offered a poster of the image of the chest, a copy of which hangs in my shop. You have to see a good image truly to appreciate how intricately and well done it is. sd

It appears, from history, Mr Studley wasn’t exactly known for his piano making. Perhaps he should have made tool boxes instead. It is very beautiful but I notice there’s not much visible wear on any of the tools. It occurs to me this could be an ancient “poser” workshop where everything is too neat to get work done.

Building something like this is just DARING fate to come up with a new tool or technique that either makes half these tools obsolete or compliments them but can’t be made to fit in the box. It’s the same thing (on a much smaller scale) when I rework how my little corner of the garage is organized – soon something will come along that shootcans all that effort.

@kdp Thats part of the greatness of the box. But I dont think there is any claim of completeness that goes with the box. Could just be the collection of this guy. I am more interested in the process of making something like this then the end result. How much did he change it along the way? did he start with the tools that he has in there now or did the set grow as he built?

I have to agree with Mac. This needs to get reposted from time to time. Its sheer awesomeness demands it, and the fact that someone can put that much care into something as simple as a toolbox serves as an example to all of us, whether we work with wood, metal, twine, concrete, or any other material.

Certainly a thing of beauty, one any of us would love to have on display but I can’t help but think “WOW THIS GUY WAS REALLY MENTALLY ILL”.

Being neat and tidy is essential when you have a lot of tools but this level of compulsion is the sign of a mental problem more than craftsmanship. If you wanted to devote an obscene amount of time towards building one yourself, you too could do so if you either have or can train yourself to have the patience.

Then again, he didn’t have the internet or TV to distract him. A guy will do just about anything to stay occupied.